Mannequin are a post-punk band from California. Their music conveys a dark atmosphere similar to Joy Division. They released a new track earlier this month, ‘Everybody’ taken from their recent EP Singles/Faction.
A haunting synth dominates ‘Everybody’, bringing an unnerving eerie feel. It incorporates a rumbling bassline reminiscent of The Cure and The Fall, while the vocals are buried in reverb. It doesn’t distort the impact however, because they convey power and emotion that transcends to the listener the more you hear it.
The upbeat drumming juxtaposes with the dark backdrop along with the lead synth playing an infectious melody meandering into the listeners’ head. Vocally, it reminds the listener strongly of Ian Curtis, the lo-fi production adding an air of rawness and grit.
‘Everybody’ might take a few listens to grow on you, but once you give it the time, it’s a powerful, stunning track that is well worth your time.
Words by Ermis Madikopoulos